It’s the tragedy to triumph story we all love, and have come to see over and over again in Muskegon. In a time of loss, devastating loss…time and time again, there have been people who take that grief and begin to create something that not only heals them, but the overall community they live in. Never by choice, but by coming to the understanding that living though the loss of a loved one or a tragedy that’s befallen a family or group….it’s in the coming together over that where we as Muskegon shine like almost no other community anywhere. Jon Cox…. unlikely hero? Well, not really. Huge heart and truly understanding of why an organization like Harbor Hospice needs a hand? Jon is a community builder who gets it, for all the right reasons.
Just after last years show that Jon put on at the Arts and Drafts Festival in Norton Shores, Jon lost his wife Cindy to cancer. Understandably, this is all still pretty raw and emotional for Jon. Not only was Harbor Hospice part of Cindy’s final journey, they were there for another family member who they lost recently as well. A mini blessing in it all was that some of the providers were the same for both, which kept some comfort and familiarity a part of the care given to the entire family. Jon is remarkably articulate in describing the level of care, service and compassion given by Harbor Hospice in Cindy’s final days, and even today still with offerings of grief counselling, help in understanding life for “one” after a spouse is lost as well as a myriad of other programs to assist those who are left to grieve. Of course, Hospice and Palliative care deals with end of life….and that itself brings a lot of fear, anxiety and unsure for everyone. It’s the mission of Harbor Hospice from their website – “We’re right here in your community, offering comprehensive care for your loved ones, providing skilled support, engaging therapies, and compassionate guidance through palliative care, end-of-life care, and grief support. Our goal is to ensure that your loved one’s journey is free of pain, surrounded by the warmth of family and friends, and infused with a sense of peace.”
Instead of wrapping it up, Jon is continuing on in the memory of Cindy to do what they loved doing together and benefit Harbor Hospice along with the other car show enthusiasts he’s got on his side. Yes, there are quite a few of them. If there’s a car show going on, chances are, you’ll see Jon there. Not only showing off his kit car whip and winning trophies with it, but he’s also usually spreading the word about the next car show coming up. If it’s his, great. If it’s one of his friends, fine too. There’s probably a cause behind it and Jon is the first pair of boots on the ground to help. It’s not a bad circle of friends to have to generate friends, fun and funding to be in with car show folks. Not at all.
At Jon’s show, in memory of Cindy, you’ll find all you are used to. Dash plaques and goody bags while supplies last. Voting on cars by both panels and people’s choice awards….which by the way…. the People’s Choice award is proudly sponsored by The Muskegon Channel, music, raffles prizes and more. Music will be a part of the day as will the visuals of classic and custom cars….hot rods, street rods and maybe even some 4 wheeled oddities that you’d like to snap a pic of. Registration for the show is day of, and it’s only $15 bucks to get in to display your car. Make sure you get there early to get a great spot to be a part of the show and the purpose.
CLICK HERE to follow the Arts and Wheels Car show on Facebook as the show gets closer. To learn more about Harbor Hospice, CLICK HERE.
Our thanks to Jon for thinking of us and sharing his remarkable strength and hope in the memory of Cindy. He mentioned a very attainable goal in the video. Head to the show and help him double it. I dare ya.
